Mhada making money off poor: Plea

A public Interest Litigation (PIL) submitted in the Bombay High Court has alleged that the Maharashtra Housing and Area Development Authority (Mhada) in Mumbai is charging exorbitant rates from the poor for whom it had recently announced a sale of 3,863 flats in various parts of the city.

The PIL filed by a federation of co-operative societies of the Mhada colony from Chandivli has sought the reduction in rates in keeping with Mhada’s no-loss, no-profit policy. The PIL has also sought stay on the ongoing sale process till decision on reduction in rates is taken. It is slated for hearing on February 25.

Mhada had declared rates ranging from Rs 1,861 per square ft to Rs 6,073 per square ft for the flats.

“It is extremely difficult for common man to arrange for such huge amounts and even if they manage somehow to arrange for this amount, considering the income criteria set by Mhada, it will be extremely difficult for the purchasers to secure loans for balance amounts from banks,” the petition reads.